The YMCA spirit began growing in Athens in 1892. During World War I, YMCA centres were established for Greek soldiers. In 1920, the Greek YMCA formed associations in Athens and Thessaloniki. However, all activities came to a halt in 1939 due to a government decree merging youth organisations. After 1945, the associations resumed operations, despite significant property damage. The National Council of the YMCAs of Greece was established in 1947 and became a full member of the World Alliance of YMCAs. The Greek YMCA offers various programs, including camping, hostels, education, athletics, leadership training, adult education and spiritual studies. Today the Greek YMCA has a total of 60,000 members, friends and participants, full and part-time YMCA secretaries. It has approximately 100 part-time staff and more than 350 voluntary leaders.